We had crossed the Puget Sound and arrived on Vashon Island. You would think that with all of my travels abroad last year, that no place in the U.S.A. could even touch the beauty I had seen. Albeit a different variety of beauty, Vashon Island is one of the most beautiful places I have stepped foot on.
A highlight of the trip was a visit to All Merciful Saviour Monastery, home to Abbot Tryphon and his monk brothers. (http://vashonmonks.com/wp/) I have been a frequent listener of Abbot T's podcast on Ancient Faith Radio for some time so meeting him was, in my mind, pretty darn close to meeting a [albeit humble] celebrity. We had the privilege of attending Sunday morning Liturgy and a communal meal with Abbot T and the monks afterwards. It was delightful. Abbot T was kind enough to give us a tour around the monastery and graciously gave me permission to take some photos.
Abbot Tryphon himself was responsible for the planning of the monastery architecture and grounds. He modeled it off of a small Norwegian town.
The man himself. (AKA Orthodox Gandalf)
Who says the Orthodox are stuck in the past? He has an iPhone.
Jamming to some tunes.
After our Sunday venture, we did some exploring and Frank showed us around his old stomping grounds.
Classy lady.
Rudy the lamb.
The Summer 2014 Washington trip stands in my mind as an utterly delightful time with two of the dearest people in my life. Thanks for the memories. (Bob Hope's song is floating through my head right now.)
